English officials join 2025 FIFA International Referee List

The new list of international match officials was approved by the FIFA Referees Committee earlier this month, with Sam Barrott, Mel Burgin (Referees), Dan Robathan, Grace Lowe, Isabel Chaplin, Anastasiya Voloshchuk (Assistant Referees) and Jordan Griffiths (Futsal Referee) all being accepted for the first time.

We also pay tribute to officials Craig Pawson, Marc Birkett, Sian Massey-Ellis, Natalie Aspinall, Lisa Rashid and Harry Lennard, who are leaving the International Referee List after impressive careers.

Pawson has been a FIFA referee from 2015-2024 and Lennard an assistant referee from 2017, while Birkett has concluded his illustrious career after 17 seasons. After receiving his initial nomination in 2017, he went on to officiate 51 UEFA Futsal Champions League fixtures, eight international finals, and oversaw the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup Final in Thailand.

Massey-Ellis remains on the list as a video match official for 2025, but stands down as an assistant referee having been on the list since 2009 and representing England at major tournaments in 2013, 2017, 2019 and 2022 as well as the 2018 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

England’s longest-serving FIFA official since 2007, Aspinall was the first to represent her country at a Women’s World Cup when she worked at the 2011 tournament in Germany before going on to officiate at the 2015 and 2023 editions. She was also an official at the 2009 Women’s EURO and 2024 Women’s Champions League final. She remains on the list for 2025 as a VMO.

And Rashid ends a 13-year international spell as an assistant referee, during which she represented England at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, 2022 UEFA Women’s EUROs and UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final in 2022.

Speaking about the news, Aspinall said: “After 18 years of service on the FIFA List, representing my country, by officiating at the highest levels of women’s football, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and understanding of the personal sacrifices I have had to make to achieve what sometimes felt unachievable.

“18 years ago, I dared to dream and with hard work and sheer determination I have done what many told me I couldn’t. I hope that my journey not only inspires others but also demonstrates to all women and girls that we can break down barriers and there is a place for us all.

“To finish on the international stage at the Woman’s Champions League final on the field with friends and my family in the stands is the best way for me to step away from this part of my career and look forward to supporting as a VMO.

And Massey-Ellis added: “Representing England, the FA and PGMOL on the global stage over the past 15 years has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

“From becoming the first English female to officiate in men’s European competitions, to the exhilaration of World Cups, and the immense pride of officiating at the European Championship final, every experience gained while on the FIFA List has shaped me not only as a professional but also as a person.

“It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to the growth of women’s football alongside so many remarkable trailblazers. I remain committed to supporting the continued development of the women’s game in any way I can.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, colleagues, mentors and the wider officiating community who have supported and inspired me throughout my career. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. I simply could not have done it without them.

“Although I am stepping away from my international duties as a FIFA assistant referee, my passion for football is as strong as ever. I look forward to continuing my involvement as a Premier League assistant referee and a video match official both domestically and internationally, as well as ways to give back to the sport that has given me so much.

“Thank you for the incredible memories, challenges and unforgettable experiences that I will cherish forever. Football has always been, and will always be, a defining part of my life.”

Peter Elsworth, our head of referee operations, said: “We are immensely proud of the outstanding international careers of Marc Birkett, Craig Pawson, and Sian Massey-Ellis, Natalie Aspinall, Lisa Rashid and Harry Lennard,” said

“Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have seen them perform on the world’s biggest stages, representing England with pride and distinction.

“Each of them has set standards that inspire the next generation of referees and officials. Their achievements highlight the strength of English refereeing on the global stage, and we celebrate their remarkable contributions to our game which total an incredible 77 years of service.”

Below is the full list of officials from England on the FIFA 2025 International List

Referees: Anthony Taylor, Michael Oliver, Chris Kavanagh, Abi Byrne, John Brooks, Andy Madley, Robert Jones, Jarred Gillett, Kirsty Dowle, Darren England, Stuart Attwell, Sam Barrott, Emily Heaslip, Melissa Burgin, Stacey Pearson

Assistant referees: Stuart Burt, Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn, Daniel Cook, Emily Carney, Lee Betts, Simon Bennett, Ian Hussin, Neil Davies, James Mainwaring, Georgia Ball, Sophie Dennington, Nicoleta Bria, Lucy McCann, Daniel Robathan, Grace Lowe, Isabel Chaplin, Anastasiya Voloshchuk

Video match officials: Stuart Attwell, Chris Kavanagh, Darren England, Peter Bankes, Jarred Gillett, Michael Salisbury, Andy Madley, Sian Massey-Ellis, Lee Betts, Natalie Aspinall

Futsal Referees: Peter Nurse, Oliver Ballinger, Jordan Griffiths